Weighing In After Thanksgiving HAAAAAA

I took off over to WW to see what the damage might be. I was down 1.4 which was quite nice based on last weeks crazy gain. I was responsible however enjoyed the company and the food. I had a nice conversation with family hoping they would join WW as I think it might give them a bit of hope they are looking for right now. I wish I could hug it away but I know it's work we all must do independently. The Lord really brought WW to me and I'm very thankful.

I'm so thankful for my friends who have come alongside me during the ride. I have learned lately that I MUST slow down and stop all activity. The surgery will force me into this lifestyle and I am ready and willing to take the time to heal and spend time with the Lord with no other distractions. I can't believe that surgery will almost seem like a vacation albeit a painful one. UGH

What am I to give my time to? That is my prayer and Lord I'm listening.
God, Husband, Family, Work, Homeschool, Church activities, Social activities on and on and on. My energy is zapped. I look forward to finding it again. Hopefully the surgery will help with that as well.

Thanks for the prayers as I don't have enough typing time to explain it all in too much detail but He knows. Thank you Lord that You know.

Dawna

Big Gain

Okay

3.6 lb. gain and I'm sure I swallowed every bit of it. I don't want to talk about it I just want to begin logging tomorrow and quit being disappointed and turning, as the Lord says, back to my own vomit.

Dawna

Thanks for prayers in advance : )

50.2 Lost

Tonight was a big night. 2.2 down which made the total lost 50.2 lbs. Woo Hoo I still have a way to go but I'm happy with the result. It might be slow but at least it's going in the right direction. I need to get my exercising going again and make time for it as a priority. I'm leaving for FL on Sunday for a three day business trip with Scott. It should be nice and a great time to walk on the beach, eat healthy on someone else's dime and spend some great time with the Lord : )

Sounds good doesn't it???

Dawna

2nd Day of Colon Fast

Well it went pretty well again today. I finally had a poo tonight (Jane) and it was at the swim meet so sorry no pictures. Well, I did have the camera for the kids however just couldn't bring myself to share that part of my life even with my close friends : 0 Let's just say that the pictures on their website are accurate.

Okay I slept so great last night and woke up feeling rested. That is so unusual for me. I have to wonder what causes that, allergies to foods?? Caffeine? I'm just not sure.

Here's the real stinker. I have to go to Michigan for a meeting on Sunday evening for a manager's meeting and I will still be on the colon fast. Can you believe it? Free food and good restaurants purchased by someone else and I will be choking down ginger juice as I sit and try to come up with a better reason than colon cleanse to explain why I'm not enjoying a dinner with everyone else.

Gee Whiz

Later Ladies
Dawna

Colon Cleanse Yuk

Hi

Well I'm on the 4th day of the colon cleanse. Three days of a slow down of eating and then the start of a complete fast today. I keep forgetting to drink the stuff every three hours and I get hungry and think OOPS

I'm feeling more clear headed already. It's so odd but I'm waiting for the crazy poo that usually shows up sometime tomorrow. You can take a look at www.blessedherbs.com and gross yourself out as well.

Hopefully no headache tommorrow. I'm really feeling like this is what I needed to curb the cravings and clean out the system.

Hugs to all

Kathy where is the adventure race update???????

Dawna

Down again .8

Hi Ladies

I thought that was pretty funny to be down .8. I guess I'm back to 48.2 lbs. lost. That is just not going to cut it. I really want to see that 50lb. mark by next week.

I cannot begin to express what your encouragement means to me Hugs, Kisses and Cheek Pinchers to each of you.

I read a devotional today that keeps coming back in my mind. As you all know the story by now Jaycee Duggar was kidnapped and held for 18 years. She had opportunities to escape however chose not to even when her captor was arrested a few years ago for a parole violation. She had totally been brainwashed and convinced she couldn't make it without him. The devotion put us in this position as it pertains to addictions and sin in our life. We are afraid to let go of something that we feel we cannot live without even though it is bad for us. We are brainwashed by its power and lies. Won't you feel deprived? You have to eat don't you? I can only imagine the evil presence that permeated that sweet girls life as it pertained to her abduction. I'm not going to lose any more of my life to its' control. Guess how long it's been? 155 at 25 and I felt fat then. That was twenty years ago. I wasn't fat by the way, just had a fat head related to my thinking and body image.

I'm planning on doing a detox when my stuff arrives which I think will be a very good thing to get things moving again and prepare me for my surgery.

Thanks for your support. I couldn't do it without the Lord and the training team he has graciously provided.

Dawna

Good Morning

I read something today that made me sad. I'm going to write a minute about it and then move on. People are hurting everywhere. I have a friend I homeschool with and she told me about how sensitive she is to other's pain. She is a nurse at Wishard and she talked about the countless people she sees that are not pleasant however she somehow can see the wounded son or daughter of God. I like that. I want to be more like that. Full of compassion, moved to action and changed by the encounter.

Today I read a blog that basically took the entire post to complain about the sinful habits of some folks. Not things like stealing or murdering or hurting her physically. It was all about their personality bumps. So many folks, me included, can take a look and quickly tear someone down in our minds pointing out all of their failures. How easy is that... If I could post I would say to her. Yes, you should have went over, yes you should have found the time to listen, yes you would have been a better example by doing this than showing your children that only the smartest, brightest and socially acceptable matter.

I'm sorry blogger but some folks just don't quite have the background and history you have. Oh yeah, you have a responsibility to them as well. Grow up, it's time. You missed a God appointment and the patient was you not them : (

Dawna

Dragging Forward

Hi

I wish this was all good stuff but it just simply isn't.... Thank you for your prayers. Yesterday was a bit better. I stayed on plan and then about 8:00 ate a piece of pizza. Why????? I don't even know.

I did make a decision to have Claire work with Jackson on his Science daily which will free me up to accomplish some other things including some type of exercise. Scott finished grouting (sp?) the tile last night and it really looks nice. The house is starting to get back together which I know will also help.

On plan today is the goal..... Track Track Track and Pray Pray Pray.

Hugs, Dawna

Wednesdays

Hi

You are all soooo great. Can you feel my hugs. I hope so. A special little kiss on your cheek Kathy R for the beautiful prayer.

It's still a struggle. Today I actually spent about 6 hours working constantly on a serious problem with exchange students. The enemy must know I'm serious because I feel it coming at me from every direction.

I appreciate your advice Jane. That is sooo true. That is exactly what I'm going to do. Just keep it simple for the whole week. I know that will make a big difference.

Kathy B (I NEED HELP) YES YOU CAN CALL SCHOOLS LIKE YESTERDAY. I have emealz and I agree that is a needed thing to keep everything running smoothe without last minute choices.

Quiet Time First (Got It)

Feeling out of control
Dawna

Tired and Overwhelmed

I really think I need to write some of this down. I'm really struggling with eating right now and I don't want to be struggling with eating : ( I find this really interesting because it really is a stress thing. It's like "HELLO" don't you get it. You have way too much on your plate and you need to balance a few things out and not just grab food that's available. I see clearly what has happened in the past.

Cycle
I have a spare moment thus I need to be doing something worthwhile. Help others, serve, give, encourage, clean, work, make money. What I notice is that I'm not on that list. Hmmmmm I'm actually wondering if I realize that I'm worthwhile. I actually think that I thought by denying myself others would pick up on this and rescue me or something. I'm not exactly sure of all the personality psycho babble involved but something is going on. I was doing a GREAT job of taking care of myself but right now I'm REALLY tired. The past four weeks have been disconnected for me. I don't like it.

Things I must do:
Have Quiet Time
School the kids
Co-op
Work
Spend Time With Scott
Work at creating a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family
My FRIENDS (I need em)

Everything else needs to stop for a bit so I can get these things running smoothly. If they fall outside of this priority list then I need to be AWARE that my energy is being taken from me and I don't have any to give.

I'm really having a tough time planning meals and shopping right now. I've got to get that schedule figured out.

Pray for me ladies. I need ya now! The goal for this week is to track every day. Plan my meals, Have my quiet time. I'm going to post a little something daily just to let you all know how it's going. Thanks for holding up my arms in the battle. They are very weary.

Love to you all
Dawna

Yes I'm Alive

Hi Girls

I am alive just VERY VERY busy. I went to WW last night and it was of course a very good meeting. I had a .8 gain which was not great but okay considering the week I'm in. I need those meetings. I'm struggling with getting it all done right now.

God,School, Work, Coop, Church, Sports, Exercise, Family, Did I say School?

A little overwhelmed with the house torn apart for painting yet eating correctly.

Thanks for the heads up and support
Dawna

2.2 Down

I'm starting to get excited about training for the next tri here in Indy. I'm actually finding myself letting people know. This is a good sign!!

I had not weighed in for three weeks but was happy to see 2.2 down. I really have to get busy here because the surgery will be here before I know it and I really need to be in a healthy weight range.

Tonight the challenge was to lose weight and donate the amount we have lost to a food bank. Our leader had a big ol' table full of 126lbs of food and it was really inspiring. I can't imagine carrying around the 48 lbs I've lost. So glad to be rid of it.

I was doing great today and then had a piece of fried chicken AFTER I had already had a healthy salad. I'm not off points due to the extra ones but I'm going to have to curb the eating if it is to come off with any speed.

Biking tomorrow and walking tonight!

Later Taters
Dawna

So Thankful To Go Down

Tonight I'm thankful that I lost 1.2 lbs. It feels so great to continue on this process. I wasn't sure how it would look as I had to eat in a cafeteria all week at camp. I worked to make good choices and enjoyed a few treats so I didn't feel deprived.

I'm wearing a shirt tonight that I had my original picture taken in and it's so loose and comfy. Ha I probably have four inches at least on the side. There were more compliments for me when I arrived at camp. It's so nice to have folks look at me and say WOW Dawna you look great. I picked out a shirt from the stack to wear and I was in a medium. It was nice fitting and I felt good in it. What do you feel great in lately????

Tonight the leader at the WW meeting said that the answer to cravings was to crave (Health, Good BMI, Energy, Physical Fitness) I love that.

Looking forward to cheering the peeps on during the triathalon this coming weekend.

Keep on the path.

Dawna

I'm Back : )

WOW One Week at World Series and One Week in Branson. Where does the time go?? I went tonight to weigh in and I'm happy to report I'm down another 2.8. That was good news as I stayed on plan pretty much however enjoyed a few extra foods in Branson but still enjoyed a loss. Glad for that.

I'm headed to camp this week for the foreign exchange students and to what I'm sure will be a low budget carb fest. I will pack my good little cooler : )

Take care everyone and thanks for cheering from the sidelines.

Dawna

New Yummy Recipes

Hi

I have tried a couple of new things the past two days and all I can say is yum yum.
Fresh corn salad with tomatoes and lime
First: 1 point (Yep that's right)
2 c fresh corn kernels about 2 ears of corn
2 small tomatoes
3 scallions
3 T chopped fresh mint
1 jalapeno pepper minced or canned minced 1 t
1 clove garlic minced
2 T fresh lime juice
2 t virgin olive oil
1/2 t salt

Toss together all the ingredients in a serving bowl. Serve at once or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours. One serving is 3/4 c
90 calories 1 Sat. Fat 3 g Fat, 0 Trans Fat, O Chol 309 Sod. 16g carb 3 g Fiber 2 g Protein, 19 mg. calc. Serves 4

You can add white beans (I didn't) if you want and it will add 1 point and quite a bit of protein.
I'm telling you yum yum

Don't turn off your ears when I say turkey burgers. These were yummy.
Southwest Turkey Burgers
1.33 lb. of lean ground turkey
4 oz. can diced green chiles drained
1/4 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
4 skinny slices of low fat pepper jack cheese
4 whole wheat kaiser rolls toasted (found them at walmart)
lettuce/tomato/onion/1/2 avocado sliced

Mix the turkey and chiles. I personally left the juice in and added a little buttermilk. It makes it soupy so I let it soak a minute. I mushed them together and put them on a very hot grill that I had dabbed with oil (rack) I let it cook at least for four minutes on one side which made it possible to turn the burgers without them falling apart.
After cooked add the cheese and then put all of your fixins on the bun and enjoy. The avocado was awesome on the bun ane I didn't have to add any condiments. I used Vadalia onions. 342 Calories 6 points

Ernie is just not himself

Hi Everyone

I'm down .2 and four weeks ago I was up .8. So I'm going to take what I can get. I'm planning for next week when Claire and I are at World Series thus planning my meals will be very important.

I've got to put some variety in my diet as I'm missing some good tasting food thus it's time to shift that a bit.

When I look in the mirror I feel sometimes like Ernie. Who is that looking back : )

Talk to you later
Dawna

A Little More Food Works To Create A Little Less Weight!

Well I was down 2.4 tonight making it a total of 41.8. I talked with a few folks and it turned out that eating a little closer to plan and a planned day of a few extra calories got things moving. This past month however I only lost 4.4 with the gaining and losing. That's kind of a bummer but it is creeping the right direction.

Plyometrics is on the exercise menu for the next couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to some core work.

Weird happenings: This weekend I was told I look "hot" and not in the temperature sense and tonight one of the guys who is losing weight at WW told me I was glowing. Hmmm Too much spray tan??? Hee Hee Funny thing that men start looking again. Not that I'm asking for it I just find it interesting.

Enjoying Looking "Hot" Again!

Dawna

.6 down

Well this was sobering news. I guess I've been calculating my activity points wrong thus eating too much. I was down 40 and now just a little bit from it. Will it ever get down there??

I'm going to still bike this week and stay on 25 points per day and not use the activity points and see how that goes : ) I can tell I'm losing inches which is always good (smile)

I picked the desert as that is what it feels like. I want to get into the 170's and I need to get my mind on that goal.

Probably enjoyed cake at the wedding, a split strawberry dessert with Scott and a couple of pieces of pizza yesterday. Probably not a good idea : (

Still it's down.

Me

We DID it!

The peeps and I had a great time at the Girlfriend Ride in Columbus Indiana. Thirty eight miles of beauty and sunshine. All the stops were great and the company was better!

Way to Go Biker Babes!

Dawna

Biking And Loving Spring

Let's get the bad news out of the way right away. .8 up : (

I was surprised by this all week. It was not a surprise as I was watching on the scale just about every day. What is a surprise is that I used only 18 of my extra flex points and did not touch the activity points which I raked up to 30 for the week.

I'm looking forward to the ride this coming weekend and I know it will go down next Monday again. I keep thinking every month that my body will act differently but it doesn't. What I don't like is that I should be able to use some of those extra flex points if needed and not gain!!!! I'm still at 187.4 thus I'm at the top of the 25 per day base points.

Staying focused and I'm continuing to move which I know will always be the secret to my success. Eryn's wedding is coming and I really did want to lose an extra ten by then. Obviously not going to happen however let's count on five. Am I crazy?

Thanks everyone for the cheers from the side lines.

Dawna

2.2 Down

Well I don't have a lot of time tonight to post. I thought I would be down 5 with what my scale was showing at home but it came down to 2.2. That's good and I'm happy with it.

Good Week, Good Friends, Good Activity

Go Forward,
Dawna

Wish It Had Been More

Tonight I am thankful the numbers went down again however I did want to see more of a weight loss. It's been two weeks since weigh in and the last time I had a gain. In my heart I wanted to see a six lb. loss.

Before you all feel sorry for me, I am keeping it in perspective. It IS better than a gain like most of my group had over the holidays.

The biking is helping but I need to just buckle down and stay on those points. I signed back into my 21 day challenge group and we started yesterday. I picked journaling so I can get back to writing it all down daily and watching more carefully where those bites are going.

It's a good pace but I would like to be at a minimum of 1.5 per week. This time of year with so much exercise it would be nice to be in the 2 lb. loss per week club. I'm now at 25 points per day and I plan to stay in that number while not using my extra points nor my activity points. Last week I used the activity points and I believe that's why it wasn't a very large loss.

Almost 40 lbs lost. Woo Hoo

Dawna

Still Moving Towards Monday

I'm kind of excited to see what next Monday's weigh in holds. Biking has been high on the priority list since receiving it back from KB. Fun, low impact on my joints and beautiful, this time of year.

Of course this leap just about broke me ankle but whew I made it. : ) Ha Ha


A friend came over last night and we rode 16 miles while training for the upcoming girlfriend ride. We averaged a little over 11 mph. I want to see that go up to 13 for the 36 mile ride. Work Work Work

Does anyone else look at mountain biking and say What? Huh? Fun???? At this point I'm not interested in this at all. Looks scary and dangerous.

Eat Well and Prosper
Dawna

Peddle Faster

Tonight I was 1.2 up. Not totally surprised nor am I totally distraught. No way did I eat 3800 calories more than my body burned this week. I can feel my body retaining water and a few solids that need to move on out if you know what I mean.

I just hate having my weigh in on Monday nights. Our bodies are so fickle and for me that time of night I find myself then waiting to eat and making sure I don't just down a 16 oz. bottled water before I go in. I'm glad I know what is going on in my body but I hate seeing it printed out on those little slips and placed in my book.

We don't have WW next week becuase of the holiday. I will be in E'ville for graduations this coming weekend. We talked a lot about picnics and how unhealthy they typically are. I plan to make a "plan" and stick with it through all of the slippery choices. I'm glad I can just shop and take things with me to my moms which will help me stay on track.


Goal this week?? Tracking faithfully so I don' accidentally slip in a bunch of calories I cannot account for. Girlfriend Ride??? Have you registered?

Dawna

Biking Again!!!?

Well I have my wheels back and Kathy tuned her up just right. I've noticed however that she is mourning her past user. Probably because she felt a little like the picture when I rode her last summer : )

I lost 2.6 this week. ALMOST into the 180's and boy I'm ready. Good Week, More Focused, Better Attitude.

Food of the Week:??? Kelloggs Fiber Plus Bars with Antioxidants
110 C 2.5 F 9g Fiber WOW and Boy they are awesome as I just enjoyed a dark chocolate almond.

Jesus Food: Well this week I have been reading a lot about Hannah and they also preached about her last Sunday at church. What FAITH!! I really feel this weigh less journey will require that type of bull dog faith. I'm realizing that the more I lose the less of me I really want. I want more and more of Him. Can we walk in complete submission? I'm willing to give it all I've got.

More later on the Girlfriend Ride in Columbus after Scott gets back in town and I can see our family calendar.

Hugs to you all
Dawna

Could This Be "THE END"

This past two weeks has been a struggle for me. I want to give props to my peeps in blog world. I had folks calling, emailing and loving on me . Thanks girls it really really really helped.

I've been without my right foot and my laptop has been out of commission. I thought I would be fine not tracking but the snacking started and I really thought "Oh No I'm going to gain this week". Kathy Reneau reminded me it really is an obedience issue. I also realize that my body was just hungry and craving a lot of carbs. Weird.... I really felt emotionally crummy as well.

All of that to say that I'm on track and feeling like my old self again. I'm also happy to report that I'm down 2.2 from my last post. Last week I had lost 1 lb. and this week 1.2. God is good and I really feel renewed or should I say Reneaued. : )

I'm thinking the hormones are acting up for sure and possibly that hysterectomy might be closer than originally thought. I've had serious pain in the back side and my lower back is still cramping. My foot is still swollen but there are exercises I can do.

Quit Whining Dawna And MOVE MOVE MOVE At least with things that don't hurt your foot. Ha

I read a WONDERFUL book this week. Hint: Randy Alcorn China??? Any ideas?

Did I say I LOVE my friends. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Dawna

Confirmation

Well I went tonight to WW and yes I had lost as of tonight 2.8 which brought the total loss to 30.6. Considering I enjoyed WAY too much ham yesterday I was glad to hear the news.

I will keep plugging away and getting back to faithful tracking as I think this helps me a lot!

Fifteen weeks with an average of 2lbs. per week. I think that's pretty good : )

It will be so exciting to get back to exercise : ( I adjusted my points due to little to no activity and it dropped to 24. Bummer as I'm at 27 when I'm up and moving.

Feeling good in my clothes and waiting to hear from my good friend Kathy regarding the preparation for her triathalon this coming weekend. What's Up?????? Does anyone else out there want it to happen faster? I want it all done now!!!


Dawna

Posting a 30lb. weight loss

No

I didn't get to the WW meeting because of the bum foot but I've been weighing here at home and this morning I hit the 30lb. mark.

New Picture!!!

OUCH

Well I did it. I was walking through the jungle when this toucan grabbed me by the hair and we wrestled until I sprained my ankle.

Not really. I actually was on an ATV when I hit a tree root on one of the dunes and flipped over with the thing on top of me. Bad looking ankle and in a wheel chair. GEE WHIZ What next???

Will kick my exercise in the butt for a week when I get home so I will have to reduce the points big time.

Positive Note: We should move through the airport like pros tomorrow : )

Dawna

Good Morning Mexico

Let me start by saying this place is beautiful : ) We are having a wonderful time. The weather is perfect. Now I understand why it is the most expensive time to come. It is the BEST time. This resort could not please us more. The accomodations are like Disney on champagne for adults. I'm sitting on my patio looking at the ocean.

I've been working out every day looking out into the ocean. Love that!!! Scott is doing another spin class this morning. They called it virtual spinning which we thought was a GREAT idea however it really was just a giant movie screen showing car racing with a live instructor in front of that on a platform. I thought why not a guy at the beach on his spinning bike giving instructions on the video. Pretty cool.

My pictures will not be able to show the beauty of this resort but I will try.

Now the food... First let me say it is better than great. The International Breakfast Buffet is really something else with high quality ingredients and great options. I decided early on that I would enjoy this vacation and not obsess about it. I think that is one of the mistakes a person can make on any weightloss journey. That's been one of mine in the past. I put such restrictions on myself that only Christ himself could do. Did I tell you they have an all natural juice bar as well? Yep every morning after working out I get a big Veggie Dream with a ton of veges and no sugar. Yum and I feel great after my workout.

Bkfst: Egg White Omelet filled with fresh veges. The first morning they cooked it in way too much oil and I was like Yuk I only ate half. Now that I'm in the know they see me coming with my request and it's been perfect. Fresh fruit. Guava. Love that.....

Lunch: This has been tough. Buffet again with a TON of great food. I want to try all of the healthy stuff but I know that too much healthy is still too much fat and then not enough energy to do the fun stuff.

Dinner: These restaurants are beautiful and awesome. We've had Asian, Argentenian, Mediterranean, Mexican. All VERY high end with incredible service. Tonight Italian for the anniversary.

The interesting thing for me has been watching all of the really heavy folks here eat and eat and eat and eat and eat. They look miserable and in my heart I know most are. I see husbands stuffing food and their wives sitting across from them stuffing food and no real conversation happening. Sad... Out of a resort with like 716 rooms I'll see about 7 people in the workout room at 6:15AM. At different times of the day that's about it.

Alcohol. OH MY GOSH You really could sit by the pool and have enough creamy, liquor laden drinks to make you go home with another man and gain 30 lbs. YIKES Glad that's not on our menu if you know what I mean. These are included and they are top shelf brands. Therefore, when you order a drink it's a $7 one in the States so you can imagine all of the folks enjoying that. Come about 4:00 there are about 100 folks that are extremely friendly and think they are better looking, if you know what I mean.

The other day there was a Miss Palace Resort contest. It was hilarious. They had two really great looking young gals in string bikinis and then one that was a bit over weight. Then there was Sue. Sue was about 49 and weighed about 200 and had on a whole piece with her hair all sticking up from the pool. Her husband was a really really white guy with a big hat and lots of sun screen on. They had to go around posing in three sexy poses and then run to the top of the stairs there their husbands gave them a sexy shower. This was hilarious because it was a cup or two of water. Then off they went to dive into the pool and race back with their kick boards to show their althleticism. They even had a friendliest contest where they had to go around and kiss as many men as possible on the cheek in 3 minutes.
You can imagine the first two girls were the hotties and it wasn't even fun watching them. No claps except a couple of overweight auto salesmen that thought they might get lucky. Ha Better chance at winning the lottery. But when Sue came up everyone went crazy. She was hilarious and looked just like one of us. Her husband was soooo proud taking pictures of her. Of course she ended up winning hands down and now the whole resort seems to know "Sue". I almost feel sorry for pretty girls because the women of this world are haters boy when it comes to them. I must admit Sue was on my short list as well and Scott and I cheered her on. She even took a kiss on Scott's cheek. We cracked up.
Now for fun:
I went kayaking and snorkeling. Never did it before and I LOVE LOVE it. We are heading out to a reef tomorrow for more snorkeling. Walking a lot enjoying the views. I think we are planning to snag some bikes today.

I checked my weight today after my workout and a 16 oz. bottled water and I was 2lb. over which is pretty much what I expected before the morning emptying. Ha I'm not expecting to lose however I don't want to come home with a big gain either. I'm thinking after a trip like this you would need to come home and eat broth for a couple of days just to let the digestive tract rest : )

I'm feeling so good but I'm still struggling with seeing pictures of myself I thought I was looking better but a swimsuit is not the best thing ever is it??? Tonight I plan to take the new picture for the blog.

Hugs to you all from the Riviera Maya

Dawna

Eating Out is Tough

Tonight I was down 1.2. I really am thankful for the descent but I knew with all of the eating out I did this week due to our schedule it might not be a big loss.

I had trouble tracking a few days and I'm upset with myself for that as I let my life run my personal goals and I don't want to lose that focus. Healthy mom is a more healthy family unit.

I know I still lost and definitely didn't blow it. I just know in my heart it could have been 2.2 if I had paid a little more attention. The other thing I picked up on this week is my hunger when I don't get enough fruits and veges for the day. When I'm eating carbs and protein and staying in the points I definitely am more hungry. I don't like that feeling. Anyone else?

This week I'm working on those 7 vege/fruit servings per day.

Tonight the leader mentioned that the average person eats out 5.8 times per week. Yikes that is a lot and I don't want that habit for sure.

Kathy you really did look great today. Looking like a young girl again with the new hair and bod! Stay with it. Jane thanks so much for working with my new swimsuit cover up.

I'm tanning and looking better. Tanned fat is better than white fat (Right? )

Hugs to the fans
Dawna

Under 200

Tonight I crossed a threshold I do not want to cross back over again. The 200 lb. mark albeit barely but it all counts (smile) I now weigh 199.6 with the awesome 2.4loss for the week. Last night was fun because I came home and tried on a lot of clothes looking for items for Mexico and I was easily fitting into pants and such for the week. I need a few tops but other than that I'm ready. Okay a few sandals and a swim suit cover up. Jane ??? What kind of fabric should I use for that? I went to Joann's and I was confused. Please post with ideas.

I also bought a pair of Spanx tonight. Have you gotten any of those? $36 (I'm not kidding) I hope they work and feel comfortable otherwise it will be major buyers remorse.

I'm really enjoying the lose of weight. Last night I went to Panera for a friends going away party and enjoyed a couple of bites of sweets. It was enough. This past week I also enjoyed a kids jr. hamburger and small fries at McDonalds for 10 points. I can honestly say I REALLY enjoyed it. I cringe to think what I was eating before.

Post Soon you Skinny Baboons

Dawna

SOOOOOOO CLOSE

I bet you are thinking that I didn't reach my 10% I DID IT! I lost 3 lbs. which passed my 10% and I'm only .8 from the 25lb. mark and my cool washer award : )

I'm getting closer and closer to breaking that 200 lb. mark and I'm so satisfied that it is getting closer, with a plan I really enjoy and doing it with friends I love.

A couple of updates. Weight loss has caused me to be a bit grumpy about a few things in our house. I've realized that I was burying the craziness of my schedule and life demands with food. Once the food is taken away then I have to deal with those emotions. Mine have been trying to accomplish school with the kids, two jobs, sickness, being a wife and Christian. I'm going to have to slow down a bit to remedy this and I can't believe I have just now realized this. I must fit regular exercise into this equation so I'm going to have to hire out some tutor help with the kiddos and start making preparation to drop one of my jobs. The housework can also be hired out and I'm planning to do that.

I'm on Vicadin right NOW due to my surgery so I'm sure this sounds crazy but hang with me. I had all female stuff done today kind of like a Tune-up and a Lube Job. Well..... I had very high hopes that I would be able to avoid a hysterectomy but that is not the case. My Dr. who was wonderful, went in and found the adhesions, scar tissue and endometriosis to be quite extensive and has involved my bowel albeit lightly. This will not leave on its own and will continue to cause pain. My tube was actually wrapped around my ovary with scar tissue. This explains a lot to me about how I've been feeling. I really put this into the Lord's hands and felt if this was to be the path then he would carry me through it yet I also will study, take the meds and additional help I need to get healthy. WW has also given me this by allowing others to take a bit of control in their specialities and I can trust the Lord to protect me from misinformation or wrong intentions. It is a relief to give the battle to him. I feel released to do it and surprisingly rather calm. Might be the meds : )

I plan to do this in the fall so that my goal weight will be around the corner. I am also getting a TUMMY TUCK! Don't laugh and yes I might change my mind but it does save $ and the surgery scars in that area from the countless surgeries I have had since the age of 16 make it look quite unsightly. Jane, I believe I will get the girls lifted and pointed in a direction besides down as well.

Thanks in advance for your prayers and encouragement. I feel like I'm changing my life permanently in a GREAT GREAT WAY!

I'm planning to post a new pic this week. I found jeans in my closet that were a size 16 and they fit just great. The larger ones are going to the garage sale pile or to WW to see if anyone else is ready for them.



Doped Up
Dawna

99% from 10%

I like the sound of 99% so I just have to use it even if it's only 99% of my first 10% goal weight that I've lost. Ha

Let me start by saying I was a little concerned as to what would happen at weigh in tonight. I did just fine last week yet this week was difficult due to eating out approximately 3 times last week and preparing the Blue and Gold Banquet food on Thursday. I tried to calculate exactly what I ate but found it difficult with so many restaurant options that don't list calorie information and you are relying on what you know.

For example: I went to Ruby Tuesdays last Saturday for lunch when Claire was playing softball. I thought "Salad Bar" When we got there I picked the lunch special of salad bar and two turkey mini burgers that look a lot like white castles but they are turkey and decided to switch out the fries for steamed broccoli. I even thought I think I can keep the garlic mayo on them and we will be fine. I made a large plate of 0 point greens and picked the Lite Ranch. I enjoyed this VERY much. The turkey burgers were great and I loved the broccoli. Later at home and with my computer I go to the RT website and found my meal not listed on the Smart Choice menu????? I then went to Dotties website and found them all right. Those turkey burgers were 12 points, broccoli 3 and lite ranch 3. I was disappointed once again because it seems so crazy in my head. Broccoli 3???? What was on it? It tasted seasoned but I know the true butter taste and I didn't get that. Who Knows!! Garlic Mayo probably had 2 t on each burger so that must have been worth 4. I guess next time no garlic mayo and find something else on the menu besides broccoli with no points. I'm also considering carrying around my Fat Free Italian which I do like.

ENOUGH

I used all of my extra 35 points. When I weighed in and saw the 2.6 weightloss I really was relieved and confident that I'm still making the better decisions right now in my life. Last week and this week only total 3lbs. but that is still in the right direction and healthy. My choices are much healthier than they were and the choices I did make this week are choices I can live with and not feel deprived : )

Today I'm going to buy a new pair of jeans that are one size smaller and tight. One of the ladies mentioned last night how we can get a little to comfortable when the clothes start fitting and we feel like we can have this or that and it won't hurt. I felt like that advice clicked with me and I'm thinking I need the reminder that I don't want these current clothes to fit or be baggy. I'm going down down down baby and I'm not stopping here for a snack.

Last week. Dr. put me on the blood pressure medicine. I hope it's working. I'm checking it out today. Next Tuesday I'm going in for surgery for female stuff but it's outpatient and I should be good to go by next Friday. Low Iron, 2 more days of antibiotics, What else is going to start clicking with my body. It's time to get everything working as a symphony again. Last night two ladies stayed after the meeting to talk to me about the BP issues and one of them prayed for me. It was so nice and I felt content after knowing that others are praying for me.

Later Broccoli Sprouts

Dawna

Small Successes

Tonight was not disheartening however I lost .4. I was thankful for not having a gain but I sure would have enjoyed a larger loss. It all takes steps to go down. I counted back to my fourth week in month one and looked in the book to find that is when I had the 2.2 gain. It's that time of month so now I'm excited to see what's going to happen again next week. I'm getting closer to that 10% mark which I'm excited to reach.

I'm down to 25 points per day and it has been harder for me to make sure I stay in that range. I've done it however with a bit of sadness wanting a few more goodies to eat, not because I'm hungry just because things looked good.

I walked again tonight and I'm looking forward to jumping back into that this week. Leaving for Mexico on 3/28 so I have definite goals for that trip. I won't be disappointed if I'm not at 188 but I sure would like to be by that time.

Feeling better in my jeans. How about you?

Dawna

Calculations

Tonight was wonderful with a five lb. loss. That keeps with the average of 2.5 per week since I was unable to attend last week's meeting. Four more lbs. and I'm at my 10% goal.
Calculations you may ask?? Well I'm down to 25 points per day and my calculations changed as soon as I logged on and put the new weight in which made me over .5 for the day. What?? ARE YOU KIDDING???? Okay I was like "get out of here" I really wanted that bag of popcorn before bed. I'm not going to eat it and I will accept the fact that I should have waited until tomorrow to sign in the new weight! Now I know.

So many calculations with all of this food. I'm looking forward to the time when it is such a part of my life that it won't be necessary because the best food choices will come naturally.

I'm just glad that I'm subtracting and not adding : )

Dawna

Staying on track

This has been a busy week and I'm still feeling under the weather thus it's been hard just living life as it should be lived. I wanted to post and say that I didn't weigh in this week. NOT because I have messed up but just because I couldn't go due to a business meeting on Monday night.

I'm secretly looking forward to going this coming Monday and see the big number drop(Smile)

This past weekend Kathy and I attended a sales training which included dinner and all of the goodies. I'm so thankful that I wasn't tempted in a real way at Stir Crazy. Someone ordered all of these appetizers which were WAY off of the points counter. A lot of people started eating them and ordered mixed drinks and unfortunately for them they were full when the full meal was offered. I decided to order some soybean pods in hot sauce and shared them with a couple of folks at the table. Good and healthy : )

My meal was a tuna stir fry where I got to pick all of these great veges/ brown rice and thre 1/2 C of Ginger Garlic Sauce. The sauce didn't look fatty and they put a bit of oil in the pan when they stir fried it and I ate half. That is truly all I could eat. Yum Yum

The next day was the average hotel fare. May I be the first to say that they need to improve that. Scrambled eggs and a waffle. Lunch was from Einstein Bagels and it was wonderful. I had went out and purchased fresh salsa, baked chips and my secret snack (100 Calorie Pack Strawberry Cupcakes). I enjoyed it and didn't overeat. Then they wanted to go to dinner and frankly I didn't. I wasn't hungry and I was sooooo tired. I ordered soup and some mashed potatoes. Ate 1/2 and went home to bed.
I say all of this to say "How in the world do folks do it that eat out all of the time?) I'm noticing how much time is spent around food and business. I'm looking forward to enjoying time with friends, business associates and family doing something besides eating : )
I tracked my points but I wasn't sure if I went over so I ate less yesterday and I was comfortable doing so. It's nice to feel in control.
I know this is boring but I wanted to write how I was feeling.

A new food I really enjoyed! DeLite Pizza at Papa Murphy's The Chicken Mediterranean was awesome and 4 points per slice. I had three and still had points left tonight.

Sleep well good friends. I'm looking forward to getting more active again when I feel better!

Dawna

Down the River Again

Well tonight was funny. Why you may ask??? Well after last week's dismal weigh-in due to illness I am now down 5.6 for this week. That horrible cold last week turned into a serious sinus infection and now I'm on antibiotics and can only seemingly eat soup. That works for weight loss : ) Hopefully I won't gain a bunch back this coming week. I was 8 points down yesterday and 12 today. I now that is not a good idea but I just couldn't help it!

Funny story ready??? Well Saturday night before the big ear blow-out I organized a birthday party for one of the girls on Claire's softball team. My 21 day challenge is not to eat past 8:00PM which I've been successful. Well..... By the time the game ended we were at the restaurant at 9:30 and I hadn't eaten dinner. Hmmm I have a couple of grace days so I knew I would be fine. The problem? It was a WINGS and RIBS joint. Did I say I love a good hot wing??? WHY DID I PICK THIS PLACE????? So I'm sitting there trying to convince myself that I no longer like hot wings and I settled for a chicken noodle soup and hot tea AT A WINGS AND RIBS place. It was awesome. One of the dad's sat next to me with a 16 pc. order of wings. I asked him if he could tell me how good they were and maybe afterwards I could just smell his breath. Ha I really said that! He laughed and I'm sure wondered if I was serious. We finished and we plowed back to the hotel room and I decided to look up the ol'chicken wing on WW site. 16 pc. wings 48 points!!!!!! I'm so glad I didn't even have one. Whew It felt good to make the right choice.

I'm down a total of 13.8 pounds since I began this journey 5 weeks ago. That's over 2.7 lb average per week. That is great and I'm satisfied. My leader last week kept emphasizing to me that I'm to look at it as a four week cycle. She's right because I could have been discouraged without that viewpoint. When oh When will I be out of these size 18's? I'm ready.

I'm still not touching those 35 bonus points and I have an inside fear that I would gain if I did. Your thoughts?

Where's the Paddle

A paddle you may ask??? Well it's because so far I'm completely playing ping pong with my weight. Today I feel awful and have a full blown cold. I'm bloated, constipated, sore throat, itchy throat, watery eyes and frankly a walking Nyquil commercial. I get in the car and haul my over 200lb. butt to my meeting just hoping that there will be some light on this trip. I'm completely hunched over walking in there because my lower back feels like it's out. I get up to the counter, take off my shoes and coat. Get on the scale and find that I have gained 2.2 lbs. I'M NOT KIDDING!!!!! I wanted to just leave the meeting and go back to bed but in my mind I really wanted to go and eat, eat,eat. I didn't! Glad I stayed even though the leader tonight is not my usual one and she talked at a volume of 10 and I felt like if I didn't agree she would hurt me : ) She lost 82 lbs in 2000 and still has it off so "Go Jane of the Jungle" I'll listen. When I'm sick I always feel better when I'm comforting myself with food. I decided "not this time" . I hadn't eaten dinner and my 21 day challenge is not eating after 8 therefore I went to Boston Market and had 5oz. of turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes and water. I had 19 points left today and enjoyed the warm food. I left and forced myself around the track at Warren while waiting to take Jack and Olivia home. I looked like a puff a lump but I did my thirty minutes and felt like my back loosened up a bit.
Pray for a emptying of my system and a good potty trip : )

I'm not discouraged (really) frustrated with my body (yes) Looking forward to next week's weigh in (yes) I've been exercising and eating to plan. That will pay off.

Good Better Best, We Shall Not Rest, Until Good Becomes Better and Better Becomes Best

Dawna

Being Aware

I had a couple of things happen today that I thought I would write about. First of all, I realized I've been more hungry this week. I didn't get upset as I realized once again it was my body clock and it was craving more food. My hormone cycle really is interesting and just being more in tune with my body has been pretty neat. Just knowing that it will happen and I can take steps to deal with it is freeing somehow. I stayed on points today.

I decided early on to enjoy salmon patties for lunch (2). I knew this was about 8 points so I made the conscious decision to go below a little tonight by eating the vegetable soup. I also had two cupcakes today which were also in my points. Jackson had a cake auction tonight for scouts and we made cupcakes. I ate one when they were warm and then one tonight after the auction minus the icing. Six points I really enjoyed. I still got in all of the healthy stuff. : ) Did you know there is a cake mix with 50% less sugar? Yep, and it was wonderful.

There was someone at the auction tonight who looked thinner. I went up to her and said "You've lost some weight". She said, "Yes 80 lbs.!!!!" Well, that's more than a little weight. Her response was that she felt so much better and that bariatric surgery has greatly helped her. I'm soooooooo glad I'm on the path this way and that I can be. The surgery thing has become the boob job of the 80's (everyone wants one or two : ) )

Let's keep moving forward while pleasing the Lord by loving ourselves.

Dawna

She's D O W N

Well I had to work away from my side of town today and I couldn't wait to be weighed. Who would of thought????? I headed over to the west side for my meetings and dropped in a WW over there. I was down six lbs. Yep that's right. I was right last week was a problem with the monthly visit. I'm sooo glad I wasn't discouraged and knew that this was part of the process.

Question! It was tough to eat the appropriate amount at the last two meetings I had with my group from work. Last night we were at an Irish Pub all night for the meeting and tonight a Mexican Restaurant. It's odd being away from home. Last night I had a grilled chicken sandwich with no cheese and mustard and horseradish. It was good. Funny however when I figured out the total amount for the night it seemed like too much and I was uncomfortable from eating one chicken breast sandwich and a baked potato. Tonight I had Talapia with broccoli and rice. It was okay. I enjoyed the chips probably too much. I enjoyed the fellowship but it was like 2 hours of sitting there and then all of the sudden I realize I'm full. I found it hard to concentrate on the food and the conversation. I'm thinking just cut it in half right away and work on that only. That's probably the right amount of food. I had saved my points so I was just fine but I still think it was too much food for one meal. Advice???????

Love WW

Dawna

Recipe that was good on E-mealz

Shout Out!

I have a good recipe that the entire family enjoyed tonight from E-mealz and it only had 4 points for the main course. It's simple but suprisingly tasty.

1lb.Skinless Turkey Smoked Sausage (I know but it was actually good)
5 potatoes
1 onion
1 c chicken broth low fat

Dice potatoes with skins on and microwave for about 4 minutes until almost completely done. Slice the sausage in small pieces and Pam a non stick pan and fry it for about four minutes until it is browned. Take the sausage out and put in with more Pam the onions and potatoes. Brown these and add back in the sausage with the 1 c of broth until the liquid reduces about 9 minutes. Very tasty

Low fat croissants at 2 points each
green beans at 0
1 cup of grapes at 1

Big meal that is satisfying for 7 points.

Give it a try. Thanks Kathy for giving me the info for E-mealz.com it's a good one.

Dawna

Not Down

Well tonight was a shock to me to say the least. I could tell I had lost a lot of weight and I was excited to see what the scale would say. Secretly I thought she would look up from her computer after the "gotcha" phrase with a big WOW on her lips as she handed me my book.

I decided to prolong the anticipation a little bit so I collected all of my things and headed into the room and slowly opened it up to find a 2.2 weight loss?? no what is that a .8 gain making my weight 222.2 WHAT!

For the amazing part I sat there and knew what it was. I had totally stayed within my points with even a few left and barely touched the 35 bonus ones. I had exercised worth an additional 12 points and didn't redeem any of those. For those that know me you know I struggle terribly with my cycle and I'm the night before with the most bloating of the month before the great appearance tomorrow. I know I lost weight and now I'm looking forward to next week's really nice loss.

It was nice to KNOW that I am doing the right things and it will pay off. The journey is helping me to stay calm and not worry AT ALL. I can honestly say I was more worried on how to convince you all that I'm not concerned and that I know my body and when I realized what today is it didn't surprise me.

I've completed Day 9 of my exercise challenge online with success every day and tonight won a workout DVD for tracking everyday and I had 56 sustainable foods on my list for the week : )

Keep doing the right things and it will take you in the right direction. DOWN Down down down down down.

Looking Up even though I'm not down at least this week!

Thank you God and friends for your prayers and support.

Dawna

Mid Week Post

I wanted to write mid week as I'm feeling good and a bit thinner : ) I can say it makes me feel a little anxious when I feel thin and more empty. I'm not sure why. Feeling full and overly full makes me feel secure. Counseling I know!! I'm satisfied with the foods I'm eating but at times I just want to snack. This will be addressed through WW so I'm looking forward to that one.

I've been able to stay within my points and feel guilty if I use any of the 35. WHY!!!!! I also jumped into that 21 day challenge and have gone 5 days so far in the success catagory. YEAH. What is the challenge??? 21 days of straight exercise 30 minutes per day. I'm walking everywhere and the last three days in the warm house away from the snow with a DVD.

I'm surprised about how much I can eat and stay within reasonable points limits. A few changes and it's there.
For ex.
Lunch today
2 T Hummus 1 pt.
8 baked Tostito scoops 1 pt.
bowl of homemade vege soup 2 pt.
1/2 cup homemade tuna salad on two slices of low calorie bread 2.5
The tuna had 1/2T of light olive oil mayo, 1T of dijon mustard, garlic and cajun seasoning

That lo cal bread is only 1 point!!! The way I made the tuna it was only 1.5 WOW

Lunch nutritious and satisfying only 6.5 points

Feeling thankful!

Dawna

Descending down 4.6

Another weigh-in and I had great news! I would have been happy with 3 lbs and said to myself I would be satisfied with 2 but would be disappointed if it was any less. I lost 4.6 lbs.!!! I'm not kidding I was excited and surprised. I also decided to start a weight loss challenge on the WW site and decided for the next 21 days I would exercise 30 minutes per day. Two days down!

I only used about seven of my 35 bonus points so I think I will stay on that path again this week. I'm very happy. Let's see what this week holds.

I had to think about what I was eating which made me stop quite a few times and stop before I threw something into my mouth. I think I enjoyed my omelets more than anything this week and was very satisfied after eating them.

More later
Dawna